“Lisa, I want to,” she said. “This might be my only chance to spoil you. Josh, my jewelry box is on the dresser in the bedroom. Go get it.”
Josh wanted to protest, but he was afraid of making things more awkward for Lisa, so he did as he was told. His mother reached into the jewelry box and pulled out a necklace. It was an aquamarine pendant shaped like a teardrop and strung on a chain of yellow gold. She held it up to the window, and the afternoon sun glowed in its depths like a blue flame.
“Mom, what are you doing?” said Josh.
His mother ignored him.
“What do you think about this necklace?” she said to Lisa.
“It’s beautiful,” said Lisa.
Josh’s mother nodded with satisfaction.
“I’m glad you like it,” she said. “My husband gave it to me when we got engaged. It belonged to his mother. Our family doesn’t have many traditions, but this necklace will be the start of something special. Just think: someday, you’ll give it to the girl your son will marry, and the circle will be complete.”
Lisa shook her head at Josh.
“Mom, that’s a lot of pressure,” he said.
“Josh, don’t be ridiculous,” said his mother. “I can’t imagine anyone rejecting such a lovely piece of jewelry, but Lisa can speak for herself if she doesn’t want it.” She turned to Lisa. “Go on, darling, tell me. I won’t be offended.”
“It’s not that I don’t appreciate what you’re trying to do,” said Lisa. “It’s just that—”
“See?” said Josh’s mother. “Everything is fine. Lisa, lean forward.”
She opened the clasp and fastened the necklace around Lisa’s neck. Lisa lifted her hair out of the way, and the jewel glittered against her chest, bringing out the blue in her eyes.
“Perfect,” said Josh’s mother. Her eyes filled with tears. “It’s just like I imagined. Lisa, I’m so glad my son has you. You have no idea how much of a relief it is to me. It’s a dream come true.”
The visit had tired her out. She told them she needed to rest. Josh tucked a blanket around her shoulders, and she closed her eyes. He and Lisa went outside and sat down in the little courtyard between the buildings. Josh had to admit the necklace suited Lisa, but he realized he was going to have to start standing up for her instead of placating his mother if their relationship was going to continue.
“Josh, I can’t keep this,” said Lisa, touching the necklace. “It was sweet of your mother to give it to me, but I almost feel like she’s trying to buy me—like if she gives me enough stuff, I’ll be obligated to behave in a certain way. I’ll wear it to prom to make her happy, but then I’ll give it back.”
“Lisa, you don’t have to worry about making her happy,” said Josh. “We don’t even have to go to prom if you don’t want to. It’s hard for me to say no to her, but you deserve a boyfriend who’s willing to support you no matter what, and that’s what I’m going to do from now on. I’ll just tell her to forget about the whole thing.”
“You don’t have to do that,” said Lisa. “I think it would actually be nice to spend the evening together at a fancy place.”
“As long as it’s what you really want to do,” said Josh.
“It is,” said Lisa. “We’ll have a wonderful time together.”
She rested her head against his shoulder, and he put his arms around her. They sat there without saying much until it was time for Lisa to go home, and then Josh took her back to her house. He kissed her and said goodbye. She went inside, and for the first time, Josh started to realize he loved her.
Chapter 17
The next few weeks were spent in a flurry of preparation. Lisa went shopping with her mother and found a dress that was more gorgeous than anything she had worn before. The bodice was made of fuchsia satin with beading on the front that glittered whenever she moved, and the skirt was made of purple tulle, hanging down in elegant folds around her ankles. When prom day arrived, she spent all afternoon getting ready, and as she clasped the necklace around her neck, she felt truly exquisite.
Lisa’s mother took her to the apartment that afternoon to collect Josh and Shannon. Josh met them in the parking lot. He was wearing a suit, and his tie was the same color as the pendant on Lisa’s necklace. She had never seen him dressed up so much before. Even at Molly’s wedding, he had only made a minimal effort to be presentable. She could hardly believe the transformation that had come over him. Josh seemed similarly impressed with her.
“You’re so beautiful, Lisa,” he said, embracing her after she got out of the car. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day, but now that you’re here, I can’t even describe how I feel about you.”
“Well, you’ll just have to show me,” said Lisa. “Not here, though, because my mother is watching.”
Josh laughed.
“Who would have thought we’d end up like this?” he said.
“I certainly didn’t,” said Lisa. “I’m so excited. Just being with you is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.” She reached up and straightened his tie. “You look amazing. I feel like I’ve walked into a fairytale.”
Josh suddenly looked mortified.
“I forgot the flowers,” he said. “They’re still in the refrigerator.”
“Josh, don’t worry about it,” said Lisa. “My mother won’t mind waiting for a few minutes.”
They went into the apartment. Josh’s father was in the kitchen making dinner. When he saw them, the worry on his face disappeared for a moment, and he smiled. Lisa felt self-conscious about the necklace, but he didn’t seem to notice.
“Are you kids heading out?” he said.
“Almost,” said Josh. He opened the refrigerator and pulled out a box containing two
